Each faces a charge of official oppression.

Published 7:28 am, Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Photo: Webb County Sheriff's Office

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Authorities identified them as correctional officer Jose M. Avila, five years of service; correctional officer Jorge Ramos, two years of service; and deputy Alfredo Sandoval Jr., seven years of service.

Authorities identified them as correctional officer Jose M. Avila, five years of service; correctional officer Jorge Ramos, two years of service; and deputy Alfredo Sandoval Jr., seven years of service.

Photo: Webb County Sheriff's Office

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Officer Jose M. Avila, five years of service

Officer Jose M. Avila, five years of service

Photo: Webb County Sheriff's Office

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Deputy Alfredo Sandoval Jr., seven years of service

Deputy Alfredo Sandoval Jr., seven years of service

Photo: Webb County Sheriff's Office

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Officer Jorge Ramos, two years of service

Officer Jorge Ramos, two years of service

Photo: Webb County Sheriff's Office

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The allegations came to light in the wake of Commissioners Court approving Monday a referendum to be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide if the construction of a new jail should move forward.

The allegations came to light in the wake of Commissioners Court approving Monday a referendum to be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide if the construction of a new jail should move forward.

Photo: Google Maps/Street View

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The allegations came to light in the wake of Commissioners Court approving Monday a referendum to be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide if the construction of a new jail should move forward.

The allegations came to light in the wake of Commissioners Court approving Monday a referendum to be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide if the construction of a new jail should move forward.

Photo: Victor Strife/Laredo Morning Times

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Click through the slideshow to see a list of Texas law enforcement officials who have been in trouble with the law.

Click through the slideshow to see a list of Texas law enforcement officials who have been in trouble with the law.

Photo: Courtesy

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Jackie Neal was accused of handcuffing a woman and raping her in the back of his police SUV.

Jackie Neal was accused of handcuffing a woman and raping her in the back of his police SUV.

Photo: /Bexar County Sheriff's Office

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Aaron Alford faced charges of official oppression, a class A misdemeanor, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything necessary for a special investigation, even if it meant having sex with them. less

Aaron Alford faced charges of official oppression, a class A misdemeanor, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything necessary for a special ... more

Photo: Courtesy SAPD

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Alejandro Chapa faced charges of compelling prostitution, aggravated sexual assault and official oppression, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything necessary for a special investigation, even if it meant having sex with them. less

Alejandro Chapa faced charges of compelling prostitution, aggravated sexual assault and official oppression, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything ... more

Photo: Courtesy SAPD

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Emmanuel Galindo faced charges of compelling prostitution, aggravated sexual assault and official oppression, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything necessary for a special investigation, even if it meant having sex with them. less

Emmanuel Galindo faced charges of compelling prostitution, aggravated sexual assault and official oppression, after four women claimed he and two other officers had them sign a contract agreeing to do anything ... more

Photo: Courtesy SAPD

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Damon Michael Jones, 37, was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child 14-17 years of age. Jones, a former Spring ISD Police officer, allegedly began cellphone and text message conversations with the female minor during Summer 2015. less

Damon Michael Jones, 37, was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child 14-17 years of age. Jones, a former Spring ISD Police officer, allegedly began cellphone and text message conversations with the ... more

Photo: Harris County Sheriffs Office

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Matthew Adams, 24, a former Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was fired Nov. 16, 2015 after he was arrested by the SAPD in connection with a aggravated sexual assault of a child charge.

Matthew Adams, 24, a former Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was fired Nov. 16, 2015 after he was arrested by the SAPD in connection with a aggravated sexual assault of a child charge.

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Kevin Coffey turned himself in and was charged with sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by exposure, indecency with a child by contact and sexual performance by a child.

Kevin Coffey turned himself in and was charged with sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by exposure, indecency with a child by contact and sexual performance by a child.

Photo: Courtesy

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Mark Shawn Hamilton, 51, of Goodrich, was booked into the Polk County Jail on four charges of sexual assault and one charge of child endangerment, Sept. 16, 2015.

Mark Shawn Hamilton, 51, of Goodrich, was booked into the Polk County Jail on four charges of sexual assault and one charge of child endangerment, Sept. 16, 2015.

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Former Pharr police officer Erasmo Mata, 26, was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl five times while on-duty between July and October 2013.

Former Pharr police officer Erasmo Mata, 26, was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl five times while on-duty between July and October 2013.

Three correctional officers have been arrested for allegedly assaulting an inmate, Sheriff Martin Cuellar said in a statement Monday.

Authorities identified them as correctional officer Jose M. Avila, five years of service; Deputy Alfredo Sandoval Jr., seven years of service; and correctional officer Jorge Ramos, two years of service.

All have been terminated, the Webb County Sheriff's Office said. Each was charged with official oppression, violation of civil rights of a person in custody and abuse of official capacity.

Sandoval was also charged with tampering with government records. All charges are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

A fourth jailer, who is not facing criminal charges, was also terminated for allegedly being involved in the same incident for violation of policies and procedures, the Sheriff's Office said. Authorities did not identify him.

"As soon as I learned about the alleged assault, I proceeded to call the Texas Rangers to lead the investigation as means to be transparent," Cuellar said in the statement. "While I am pleased that our surveillance system of cameras we began installing in 2009 worked as designed, I am profoundly disappointed that four jailers decided the rules and polices don't apply to them.

"They have been stripped of their equipment, their uniforms and their jobs. Although this is an isolated incident, I remain proud of the men and women of the Webb County Sheriff's and I thank them for maintaining the public's trust and confidence."

The investigation continues.

Jail referendum

The allegations came to light in the wake of Commissioners Court approving Monday a referendum to be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide if the construction of a new jail should move forward.

Cuellar added, "This jail is 31 years old and has an outdated design that makes it impossible for supervisors to adequately monitor interactions between jailers and inmates in real time. A new jail would employ a modern design and adequate protection for both jailers and inmates, eliminating blind spots like the hall where this assault occurred, and reduce liability for county taxpayers.

"I thank the Texas Rangers for their assistance in this investigation. I reaffirm my commitment to maintain the public's trust and confidence, and assure we will continue to strive to put our best foot forward to serve and protect Webb County."